John Densmore

I grew up listening to my parents' albums. Many of them were either classical - Bach, Beethoven and Brahms - or easy listening, like Mantovani. I loved the spectrum of emotions in classical music, from fortissimo to pianissimo. My early passion for classical made my drumming more musical later on.

American Musician

Esa-Pekka Salonen

With American orchestras, in particular, because they play in such huge halls, getting a true pianissimo is very hard.

Finnish Musician

Common in orchestral instructions, signifying a need for a very gentle touch.

Orchestral Use

Used to create contrast in music, makes louder sections stand out.

Dynamic Contrast

In solo music, pianissimo challenges the performer's control and precision.

Solo Performance

Denotes volume level, important for understanding a piece's expressive elements.

Dynamic Indication

Helps set a mood; pianissimo often implies a calm, reflective, or intimate scene.

Mood Creation

Requires audiences to listen closely, fostering a deeper engagement with the music.

Pianissimo